My Sister’s Closet

My Sister’s Closet is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The concept for My Sister’s Closet was started over 15 years ago when the YWCA started a shelter for victims of domestic violence.  Many of the clients who came to the shelter fled with just the clothes on their backs, so the YW began a small clothes “closet,” in our building, designed to serve only the residents in our shelter.  As we realized how very generously this community responded to the needs of these clients, we named the program My Sister’s Closet and expanded the scope of service to include women in some 12 shelters in our area.

We also changed the focus of My Sister’s Closet from meeting just basic clothing needs to providing appropriate clothing for clients to wear to job interviews and to wear to work. Clients are referred to us by the counselors in each shelter and are given “gift certificates” to enable them to shop, free of charge, for the clothes and accessories that they need.  In 2007 the YWCA of Central Alabama provided professional clothing and accessories to 317 women from 30 shelters in Jefferson and surrounding counties.

Five years ago we acquired new space in the form of a small separate building that is adjacent to our building.  The Jr. League gave us $30,000 to renovate the space.  My Sister’s Closet is arranged just like a small clothing boutique, with clothes sized and on racks, and with accessories displayed on shelves and in display cases.

YW’s Prom Dress Giveaway
The new building also enabled My Sister’s Closet to offer a new program for junior high and high school girls from economically disadvantaged families in the Birmingham area.  Each spring, over 100 students from 29 different area schools are referred by their school counselors to the YW’s Prom Dress Giveaway.  The girls are invited to My Sister’s Closet, from March through May, to select their prom dresses and accessories.  The dresses and other items are donated by individuals and by dress shops or boutiques.

How Can I Help or Donate
My Sister’s closet is supervised by YW staff but depends on volunteers to help sort and label donations and to work in the shop when it is open for customers.  Volunteers must be 16 or older.  This activity is well suited for individuals or for groups of volunteers.  Schedules are flexible. 

For more information about My Sister's Closet or to consider making a donation, please contact our Director of Volunteer Services.